Handle for adapting plastic shopping bags as trash containers

ABSTRACT

An adaptive handle is used in connection with a plastic shopping bag to be adapted for reuse as a garbage container. First and front members each have a pair of support elements for engaging the loop handles of the shopping bag. The side members are spaced apart side-by-side, so as to support the shopping bag and hold the shopping bag open. Attaching means are provided for attaching the side members together to close the bag. A suspending element, such as a hook, is provided for hanging up the adaptive handle and shopping bag behind a sink cabinet door. Optional skirts connect the side members together, thereby forming a closed system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the field of containers, and more particularly to an accessory handle and closure for a plastic shopping bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Plastic shopping bags, commonly called a t-shirt bag, are in widespread use in grocery stores and numerous other retail outlets. The plastic shopping bags are lightweight and inexpensive, are used briefly, and are discarded upon arrival home. A more ecologically responsible practice is to reuse the bags. Many people use them for garbage, but the bags have some drawbacks in this regard. They do not stay open while loading items into the bag. Presently, devices for holding open the plastic shopping bags, do so by holding the handles apart from each other, as a person would typically do, or alternatively use a rigid container to hold the plastic shopping bag open. This configuration limits the opening of the mouth of the bag to a static position, unless one of the bag handles is removed from the device. There is no satisfactory closure of the bag to limit odors and spillage, and it will open inadvertently if one handle is dropped. There is no convenient place to store the plastic bag partially full of garbage.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a device, which when used in connection with a plastic shopping bag will enable the plastic shopping bag to be reused (recycled) as a time saving garbage container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is a handle for adapting plastic shopping bags as a garbage container. Back and front members each have a pair of support elements for engaging the loop handles of the plastic shopping bag. The side members are spaced apart side-by-side, so as to support the plastic shopping bag and hold the plastic shopping bag open. A suspending element, such as a hook, is provided for hanging up the adaptive handle and plastic shopping bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0005] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained from consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing, in which:

[0006]FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a handle back member constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0007]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of an adaptive handle front member constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0008]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adaptive handle of FIGS. 1 and 2, in an assembly along with a plastic shopping bag, and shown in an open position;

[0009]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of another adaptive handle back member constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0010]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of yet another adaptive handle back member constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0011]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the adaptive handle of FIG. 3, in an assembly along with a plastic shopping bag, and shown in a closed position;

[0012]FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of still another adaptive handle back member constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0013]FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a further adaptive handle front member constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0014]FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a yet further adaptive handle back member constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0015]FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a still further adaptive handle back member constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0016]FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of an adaptive handle back member constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0017]FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an adaptive handle front member constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0018]FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of an adaptive handle back member constructed in accordance with the invention; and,

[0019]FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of an adaptive handle back member constructed in accordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Although the present invention, adaptive handle for recycling plastic shopping bags, is particularly well suited for use with a plastic shopping bag, and will be so described herein, it is equally well suited for use with other bags having a similar handle structure.

[0021] There is a need to provide an adaptive handle for a plastic shopping bag that will hold the bag open while loading the bag with garbage. There is a further need to provide an adaptive handle for a plastic shopping bag of the type described and that will allow a secure closure, and that will self-close the bag if one handle is dropped. There is a still further need to provide an adaptive handle for a plastic shopping bag of the type described and that allows convenient hanging up and storage out of the way, yet is easy to carry. There is a yet further need to provide an adaptive handle for a plastic shopping bag of the type described and that will accommodate plastic shopping bags of different sizes and with different size handles and/or a variety of support elements may be situated on a single adaptive handle. There is an additional need to provide an adaptive handle for a plastic shopping bag of the type described and that can be economically manufactured in large quantities of high quality, and is simple, strong and rigid for reliability and long service life.

[0022] The present invention is a device, which when used in connection with a plastic shopping bag will enable the plastic shopping bag to be adapted for reuse as a garbage container. The typical plastic shopping bag has first and second loop handles for grasping and carrying the plastic bag. The adaptive handle comprises at least one back member. The back member has a top edge and a bottom edge opposite one another. The top and bottom edges extend between opposite first and second ends. The back member has a pair of support elements for engaging at least the first loop handle. The support elements are spaced apart along the top edge. The back member has a suspending element. The adaptive handle further comprises a front member. The front member also has a top edge and a bottom edge opposite one another. The top and bottom edges extend between opposite first and second ends. The front member has a pair of support elements suitably spaced apart along the top edge, for engaging the second loop handle of the plastic bag. The back and front members are spaced apart side-by-side, so as to support the shopping bag and hold the shopping bag stretched open to the maximum extend without ripping the shopping bag. Attaching means are provided for attaching the back member to the front member.

[0023] Referring now to the drawings, and especially to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, an adaptive handle constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown at 20. The adaptive handle 20 is for use in connection with a plastic shopping bag 22 having first 24 and second 26 loop handles. The adaptive handle 20 comprises a back member 28 having opposite top 30 and bottom 32 edges extending between opposite first 34 and second 36 ends. The back member 28 has a pair of support elements 38 for engaging the first loop handle 24. The support elements 38 are spaced apart along the top edge 30. The pair of support elements 38 typically comprises a pair of notches 39 projecting downward from the top edge, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the pair of support elements 38 will comprise a pair of fingers 86 projecting upward from the top edge, as in FIG. 4. The back member 28 has a suspending element 40 on the top edge 30. The suspending element 40 is typically an open hook 42, as in FIG. 1, for hanging up the plastic shopping bag 22. In one embodiment, the open hook 42 has a notch 41. While the notch 41 is shown as a semicircle it can equally well be triangular as well as other geometric shapes. The notch 41 provides stability when the open hook 42 is suspended over a narrow element. Alternatively, the suspending element 40 will be a gripping handle 100, as depicted in FIG. 5, for carrying, hanging up and opening the plastic bag. An opening 170 in the front member can be used to attach the front member to a hook or shelf 180, which protrudes from the side of the back member.

[0024] A front member 44 has opposite top 46 and bottom 48 edges extending between opposite first 50 and second 52 ends. The front member 44 has a pair of support elements 38 for engaging the second loop handle 26. The support elements 38 are spaced apart along the top edge 46. The pair of support elements 38 comprises a pair of notches 54 projecting downward from the top edge. The back 28 and front 44 members are spaced apart side-by-side, so as to support the shopping bag 22 and hold the plastic shopping bag open.

[0025] An attaching means 56 is provided for releasably attaching the back member 28 to the front member 44. The attaching means 56 typically includes a first fastener 58 mounted on the back member 28 and facing the front member 44, and a second fastener 60 mounted on the front member 44 and facing the back member 28, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. One type of fastener is a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro™. Equally well suited are a variety of fasteners that are well known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to various types of snaps, clips, hooks and other fasteners. Another type of fastener is a ferromagnetic fastener, such as a magnet and a steel plate. Thus, upon closing the shopping bag 22, the back 28 and front 44 members will be brought together, the first 58 and second 60 fasteners will engage, and the shopping bag 22 will be securely closed. In the event that the front member 44 is not attached to the back member 28, the front member 44 will drop downward, essentially holding the bag closed.

[0026] First 62 and second 64 elongated elements project upward (although they can alternatively be projected downwards) from the bottom edge 32 of the back member 28 adjacent the first 34 and second 36 ends, respectively. Third 66 and fourth 68 elongated elements project upward from the bottom edge 48 of the front member 44 adjacent the first 50 and second 52 ends, respectively. A first skirt 70 is provided, and has a first end 72 formed into a sleeve around the first elongated element 62. The first skirt 70 extends flexibly to an opposite second end 74 formed into a sleeve around the third elongated element 66. A second skirt 76 has a third end 78 formed into a sleeve around the second elongated element 64. The second skirt 76 extends flexibly to an opposite fourth end 80 formed into a sleeve around the fourth elongated element 68. The back 28 and front 44 members and the first 70 and second 76 skirts thereby form a closed system, or an enclosed boundary, to define and reinforce the opening of the plastic shopping bag 22. The first skirt 70 and the second skirt 76 are optional, but are equally well suited to be an elastic member, such as a rubber band, a shoe lace, string, chain, plastic, cloth, paper, etc.

[0027]FIG. 3 illustrates the adaptive handle 20 assembled with the plastic shopping bag 22, in the open position ready to receive refuse. FIG. 6 shows the adaptive handle 20 assembled with the shopping bag 22, in the closed position, with the opening 170 in the front member engaged on the hook or shelf 180 of the back member (alternatively fasteners 58 and 60 can engage the front member and the back member). The back member may also have a corresponding opening (not shown). Note that FIG. 6 shows the placement of the shopping bag in the preferred position, although the invention may also be used with the shopping bag as shown in FIG. 3.

[0028]FIG. 4 shows another adaptive handle 81 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Back member 82 has a pair of support elements 38 for engaging the first loop handle 24. The support elements 38 are spaced apart along the top edge 84. The pair of support elements 38 here comprises a pair of fingers 86. Each finger 86 projects upward from a proximal end 87 at the top edge 84 to a distal end 88. The distal end 88 is broader than the proximal end 87, so as to prevent the first 24 and second 26 loop handles from slipping off the pair of support elements 38. The back member 82 includes a gripping handle 89 adjacent the first end 90 for picking up the adaptive handle 81. The gripping handle 89 may optionally be used to attach the back member 82 to a front member such as with a cord, shoe lace, etc.

[0029]FIG. 5 shows yet another adaptive handle 92 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Back member 94 has a pair of support elements 38 for engaging the first loop handle 24. The support elements 38 are spaced apart along the top edge 96. The pair of support elements 38 here comprises a pair of notches 98 projecting downward from the top edge 96. The pair of notches 98 are narrow at the top edge and enlarged at the lower edge. The narrow top edge of the pair of notches 98 need only be sufficient to enable the handle to enter the pair of notches 98. The suspending element 40 here comprises a carrying handle 100 for carrying and hanging up the plastic shopping bag 22.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10, a further adaptive handle constructed in accordance with the invention is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Back member 102 has a pair of support elements 38 for engaging the first loop handle 24. The support elements 38 are spaced apart along the top edge 106. This distance should correspond to the one half of the interior perimeter defined by the loop bag handle 24 so that the bag may be stretched as much as possible without ripping the bag. This stretching will shape the plastic shopping bag 22 into a rectangular container. The pair of support elements 38 here comprises a pair of fingers 108 projecting upward from the top edge 106. The suspending element 40 here comprises a hook 110 for hanging up the shopping bag 22. Front member 114 has a pair of support elements 38 for engaging the second loop bag handle 26. The support elements 38 are spaced apart along the top edge 116. The pair of support elements 38 here comprises a pair of fingers 118 projecting upward from the top edge 116.

[0031] Attaching means 56 is provided for releasably attaching the back member 104 to the front member 114. The attaching means 56 includes a first fastener hook 112 mounted on the back member 104. A second fastener loop 120 is mounted on the front member 114, and engages the first fastener hook 112. The second fastener loop 120 can be either a rigid or an elastic material.

[0032] A still further adaptive handle 122 constructed in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 9. Adaptive handle 122 is similar to adaptive handle 102 described above, in that back member 124 has a pair of support elements 38 for engaging the first loop handle 24. The support elements 38 are spaced apart along the top edge 126. The pair of support elements 38 here comprises a pair of fingers 128 projecting upward from the top edge 126. The suspending element 40 here comprises a hook 128 for hanging up the shopping bag 22. Attaching means 56 includes a first fastener hook 128 mounted on the back member 124. Adaptive handle 122 differs from adaptive handle 102 in that first fastener hook 128 is similar and opposite hand to first fastener hook 112.

[0033] Yet another adaptive handle 130 constructed in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 10. Back member 132 has a pair of support elements 38 for engaging the first loop handle 24. The support elements 38 are spaced apart along the top edge 134. Alternatively, the support elements 38 may protrude from the middle of the back member 132. The pair of support elements 38 here comprises both a pair of fingers 136 (or notches) projecting from the top edge 134, and a pair of notches 138 projecting downward from the top edge 134. The suspending element 40 here comprises a hook 140 for hanging up the shopping bag 22. Adaptive handle 130 includes advertising indicia 142.

[0034]FIGS. 11 and 12 show another adaptive handle 144 constructed in accordance with the invention. Back member 146 has a pair of support elements 38 for engaging the first loop handle 24. The support elements 38 are spaced apart along the top edge 148. The pair of support elements 38 here comprises a pair of notches 150. Each notch 150 projects downward from a proximal end 152 at the top edge 148 to a distal end 156. Intermediate the proximal 152 and distal 156 ends, is a relatively narrow waist 154, to prevent the first loop handle 24 from slipping out of the support elements 38. The back member 146 has holes, or knockouts 158. Front member 160 has a pair of support elements 38 for engaging the second loop handle 26. The support elements 38 are spaced apart along the top edge 162. The pair of support elements 38 here comprises a pair of notches 164, and knockouts 166, similar to those described above.

[0035]FIG. 13 shows another adaptive handle constructed in accordance with the invention. Back member 200 has a pair of support elements 204 for engaging the first loop handle 24. The support elements 204 are spaced apart at a distance corresponding to one half of the interior perimeter defined by the loop bag handle 24. The pair of support elements 204 here comprises a pair of notches at the end of a “C” shaped slot 202. The first loop handle 24 is placed through the “C” shaped slot 202. The shape of the slot 202 can be a triangle, “M” shape, “U” shaped or any of a variety of numerous shapes. The slop must have smooth or rounded edges as to not cut or rip the first loop handle 24. The pair of support elements 204 may be wider than the opening of the “C” shaped slot.

[0036]FIG. 14 shows yet another adaptive handle constructed in accordance with the invention. Back member 300 has similar elements numbered the same as back member 200. In this embodiment, the “C” shaped slot 202 is rotated 180 degrees from the “C” shaped slot 202 shown in FIG. 13.

[0037] The present invention can be made of flat or contour molded plastic, or wire, wood or tubing. The suspending element 40 can be a loop, an open hook, or a U-shaped bracket to fit over the top of a door, such as a cabinet door under a sink.

[0038] Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. Details of the structure may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention and the exclusive use of all modifications that will come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. 

What is claimed:
 1. An adaptive handle, for use in connection with a shopping bag having first and second loop handles, each of the first and second loop handles define an interior handle perimeter, the adaptive handle comprising: at least a back member, the back member having opposite top and bottom edges extending between opposite first and second ends, the back member having a pair of support elements for engaging at least the first loop handle, the support elements being spaced apart at a distance corresponding to half the interior perimeter, the back member having a suspending element.
 2. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 1, further comprising a hook for engaging the second loop handle.
 3. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a front member, the front member having opposite top and bottom edges extending between opposite first and second ends, the front member having a pair of support elements for engaging the second loop handle, the support elements being spaced apart at a distance corresponding to half the interior perimeter, the back and front members being spaced apart side-by-side, so as to support the shopping bag and hold the shopping bag open; and the front member having a suspending element.
 4. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a front member, the front member having opposite top and bottom edges extending between opposite first and second ends, the front member having a pair of support elements for engaging the second loop handle, the support elements being spaced apart at a distance corresponding to half the interior perimeter, the first and front members being spaced apart side-by-side, so as to support the shopping bag and hold the shopping bag open; and attaching means for attaching the front member to the back member.
 5. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 1, wherein the suspending element further comprises a hook for hanging up the adaptive handle with the shopping bag.
 6. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 1, wherein the pair of support elements further comprises a pair of fingers, each finger projecting upward from a proximal end at the top edge to a distal end, the distal end being broader than the proximal end.
 7. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 1, wherein the pair of support elements further comprises a pair of notches, each notch projecting downward from a proximal end at the top edge to a distal end, the support elements each having a waist intermediate the proximal and distal ends, the waist being more narrow than the distal end.
 8. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 4, wherein the attaching means includes a first hook/loop fastener mounted on the back member and facing the front member, and a second hook/loop fastener mounted on the front member and facing the back member, so that upon closing the shopping bag, the first and front members will be brought together, the first and second hook/loop fasteners will engage, and the shopping bag will be securely closed.
 9. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 4, wherein the attaching means includes a first ferromagnetic fastener mounted on the back member and facing the front member, and a second ferromagnetic fastener mounted on the front member and facing the back member.
 10. An adaptive handle, for use in connection with a shopping bag having first and second loop handles, each of the first and second loop handles define an interior handle perimeter, the adaptive handle comprising: a back member, the back member having opposite top and bottom edges extending between opposite first and second ends, the back member having a pair of support elements for engaging the first loop handle, the support elements being spaced apart at a distance half the interior perimeter, the back member having a suspending element; a front member, the front member having opposite top and bottom edges extending between opposite first and second ends, the front member having a pair of support elements for engaging the second loop handle, the support elements being spaced apart at a distance corresponding to half the interior perimeter, the first and front members being spaced apart side-by-side, so as to support the shopping bag and hold the shopping bag open.
 11. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 10, wherein the front member further comprises a suspending element.
 12. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 10 further comprising attaching means for releasably attaching the front member to the back member.
 13. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 10, wherein the front member includes a gripping handle adjacent the first end for picking up the adaptive handle.
 14. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 9, wherein the attaching means includes a first hook and loop fastener mounted on the back member and facing the front member, and a second hook and loop fastener mounted on the front member and facing the back member, so that upon closing the shopping bag, the first and front members will be brought together, the first and second hook and loop fasteners will engage, and the shopping bag will be securely closed.
 15. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 9, wherein the attaching means includes a first ferromagnetic fastener mounted on the back member and facing the front member, and a second ferromagnetic fastener mounted on the front member and facing the back member.
 16. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 9, wherein the attaching means includes an elastic band connected between the back member the front member.
 17. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 9, wherein the pair of support elements further comprises a pair of fingers, each finger projecting upward from a proximal end at the top edge to a distal end, the distal end being broader than the proximal end.
 18. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 9, wherein the pair of support elements further comprises a pair of notches, each notch projecting downward from a proximal end at the top edge to a distal end, the support elements each having a waist intermediate the proximal and distal ends, the waist being more narrow than the distal end.
 19. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 9, further comprising: first and second elongated elements projecting from the bottom edge of the back member adjacent the first and second ends, respectively; third and fourth elongated elements projecting from the bottom edge of the front member adjacent the first and second ends, respectively; a first skirt having an end formed into a sleeve around the first elongated element, the first skirt extending flexibly to an opposite end formed into a sleeve around the third elongated element; and a second skirt having an end formed into a sleeve around the second elongated element, the second skirt extending flexibly to an opposite end formed into a sleeve around the fourth elongated element, the first and front members and the first and second skirts thereby forming a closed system.
 20. An adaptive handle, for use in connection with a shopping bag having first and second loop handles, the first and second loop handles define an interior handle perimeter, the adaptive handle comprising: a back member, the back member having opposite top and bottom edges extending between opposite first and second ends, the back member having a pair of support elements for engaging the first loop handle, the support elements being spaced apart at a distance corresponding to half the interior handle perimeter, the back member having first and second elongated elements projecting upward from the bottom edge adjacent the first and second ends, respectively, the back member having a hook on the top edge for hanging up the shopping bag; a front member, the front member having opposite top and bottom edges extending between opposite first and second ends, the front member having a pair of support elements for engaging the second loop handle, the support elements being spaced apart at a distance corresponding to the interior handle distance, the front member having third and fourth elongated elements projecting upward from the bottom edge adjacent the first and second ends, respectively, the first and front members being disposed side-by-side and spaced apart, so as to support the shopping bag and hold the shopping bag open; a first skirt having an end formed into a sleeve around the first elongated element, the first skirt extending flexibly to an opposite end formed into a sleeve around the third elongated element; a second skirt having an end formed into a sleeve around the second elongated element, the second skirt extending flexibly to an opposite end formed into a sleeve around the fourth elongated element, so that the first and front members and the first and second skirts will form an enclosed boundary to define and reinforce the opening of the shopping bag; a first hook and loop fastener mounted on the back member and facing the front member; and a second hook and loop fastener mounted on the front member and facing the back member, so that upon closing the shopping bag, the first and front members will be brought together, the first and second hook and loop fasteners will engage, and the shopping bag will be securely closed.
 21. A method of adapting a shopping bag having first and second loop handles, the first and second loop handles define an interior handle perimeter, for use as a hanging trash container comprising the following steps: arranging the first and the second loop handles front to back; engaging at least the first loop handle on a back member having support elements spaced apart at a distance corresponding to half the interior perimeter; and, suspending the back member on a structure.
 22. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 5, wherein the hook further comprises a stabilizing notch.
 23. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 11, wherein the suspending element further comprises a stabilizing notch.
 24. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 1, wherein the back member further comprises advertising indicia.
 25. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 3, wherein the front member further comprises advertising indicia.
 26. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 10, wherein the back member further comprises advertising indicia.
 27. The adaptive handle as recited in claim 10, wherein the front member further comprises advertising indicia.
 28. The method of adapting a shopping bag as recited in claim 21 further comprising the step of providing advertising indicia visible when the back member is suspended on the structure. 